April 6, 2017 - Sidney one of six communities in the nation highlighted in a recent Surgeon General's report to promote walking and walkable communities

In September 2015, the office of the Surgeon General of the US Department of Health and Human Services released Step Up! The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities to increase walking among people across the United States.

Sidney responded to the call locally in October 2015 by bringing together more than 25 participants representing community and health care organizations, city planning and development, and businesses to create a community-driven plan to increase walking and biking as a way to improve overall health in Sidney. For more information contact Jessica Davies at 308-487-3600 Ext. 101, jdavies@pphd.org or Melissa Norgard at 308-254-8455, development@cityofsidney.org. Read More

Panhandle Public health District (PPHD) is excited to partner with Panhandle Coop - Main Street Market in Scottsbluff to encourage walking at their grocery store!

Inside the store is the perfect location away from the Nebraska weather elements like snow, rain, ice, and wind and they are opening their doors not just for a regular shopping experience but to encourage a nice little walk too. Read More

January 3, 2017 - Chadron Community Hospital employees see success with lifestyle change program

A group of Chadron Community Hospital employees participating in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) has seen tremendous success in the first 10 weeks of the lifestyle change program. Participants, on average, lost 14.5 pounds or a 6.6% average weight loss per participant and 9% decrease in overall waist circumference.

Evidence shows if a person loses 5-7% of their body weight (roughly 10-15 pounds) the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is slashed by over 50%. A recent study puts diabetes at the top of the 10 most costly health expenses in 2013 at a staggering $101.4 billion. The need for programs of this kind are critical to preventing diabetes, a devastating and costly disease. Read more

December 12, 2016 - Kimball county serves as community leader with tobacco-free efforts

Kimball County will be a tobacco-free campus to include all forms of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping effective on January 1, 2017. This includes all county facilities, county grounds and county vehicles, with the exception of designated smoking areas at the Golf Course, Kimball County Recreational Area, and the Visitors Center.

"We know the transition will not be easy but it is important for the county to model good health to the community," said Annette Brower, Kimball County Deputy Assessor & Wellness & Safety Committee Chair. " We are working diligently to provide tobacco-free support and resources to staff and visitors as we go tobacco-free," she added. Read more

December 5, 2016 - Gordon Memorial Health Services offers additional support for mothers returning to work

One of the most pivotal times in a woman's career, both for herself and her employer, is the months immediately following the birth of a baby. Making the decision to return to work is both an emotional and a financial decision - one an employer can make easier by supporting breastfeeding for working mothers. Gordon Memorial Health Services (GMHS) has committed to making this important time easier by providing support for their employees returning to work. They have recently adopted a breastfeeding policy to support employees and created a room for employees and use for parents visiting the clinic with little ones. Read more

November 28, 2016 - Employees commit to Maintain Don't Gain this holiday season

With the fun and festivities of holiday office parties, family gatherings, and an abundance of goodies and treats, holiday weight gain often seems unavoidable. Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council is working to make that much different for many area employees participating in the council-sponsored Maintain Don't gain Holiday Wellness Challenge. Read More

October 10, 2016 - Five Panhandle businesses honored with the Governor's Wellness Awards at recent conference in Gering

Banner County Schools and BNSF-Nebraska Division received the Sower Award for sowing the seeds for wellness while Cabela's, Panhandle Public Health District, and Western Nebraska Community College received the Grower Award for growing the seeds for wellness at their organizations. Read More

Shelby Nebraska native and Team USA gold medal bobsledder, Curt Tomasevicz, will be kicking off the Panhandle Safety & Wellness Conference by challenging attendees to take a risk and push forward to try something new!

The largest safety and wellness conference in Western Nebraska is looking forward to hosting a variety of top-notch keynote and breakout sessions addressing the latest concerns and trends in the field. Some of the topics include...READ MORE

April 14, 2016 - Walk @ Lunch Day - April 27th, 2016

Many local businesses already signed up to participate and are creatively planning to get employees up and moving. The journey to a happier and healthier "good life" begins with one step. Walking is the single most powerful thing you can do for yourself. It's also a great way to spend time with the people you care about...to connect, share your life and create memories. Getting started is simple. Just Step and Repeat #WalkNE...READ MORE

March 7, 2016 - Free Webinar Series Offered on Healthy Vending

A local hospital will highlight their wellness program leadership and healthy vending offered for employees and the community on the first of a three part webinar series. Box Butte General Hospital representatives Scott Alwin, Chief Ancillary Officer, and Dan Newhoff, Wellness Coordinator, will provide insights to fellow Nebraska employers on Vendor Relations and Employee Engagement offered March 18, 2016 beginning at 9:30 am MT.......READ MORE

September 30, 2015 - Five Panhandle businesses were honored with the Governor's Wellness Award by Governor Ricketts

The 2015 Safety & Wellness Conference in Gering saw 5 award winners for this year's Governor's Wellness Award. Cirrus House, Educational Service Unit #13, and Western Nebraska all received the Sower Award for sowing the seeds for wellness while Box Butte General and Chadron Hospital received the Grower Award for growing the seeds for wellness at their organizations.

Since the award was created eight years ago, nearly 300 businesses through the state have received it... READ MORE

August 24, 2015 - Your Playbook for Safety and Wellness Success

Former Husker, Aaron Davis, will be kicking off the Panhandle Safety & Wellness Conference, September 22 at the Gering Civic Center. The day is sure to bring your organization the latest in strategies for keeping employees healthy and safe with experts from around the nation!

July 7, 2015 - Panhandle Businesses Profit from Local Wellness Council

A local resource to area employers is gaining momentum, providing service to upwards of 50 organizations and reaching nearly 10,00 employees in the Panhandle region.

Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council is embarking on its fifth year of providing Panhandle businesses with tools, resources, and strategies for developing employee-driven worksite wellness plans. The council offers a number of services to area employers with the opportunity for organizations to "pick and choose" what fits their situation and employees best.

Are you ready to feel refreshed and renewed to push through the afternoon workday slump? Then get ready for National Walk @ Lunch Day April 29, 2015. Where do you go to walk? Step right out your worksite door.

January 26, 2015 - Area Employees Committed to Maintain Not Gain Over the Holidays

With the fun and festivities of holiday office parties, family gatherings, and an abundance of goodies and treats, holiday weight gain seems unavoidable. The holiday season was much different for many area employees participating in the Maintain Don't Gain Wellness Challenge sponsored by the Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council.

August 4, 2014 - Breastfeeding-friendly worksites benefit new mothers, offer high return on investment for employers

One of the most pivotal times in a woman's career, both for herself and her employer, is the months immediately following the birth of a baby. Making the decision to return to work is both an emotional and a financial decision - one an employer can make easier by supporting breastfeeding for working mothers.

Employees at Northwest Community Action Partnership took a few steps forward with their health initiatives.

The organization was awarded a TrekDesk from the Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) Worksite Wellness Council for participation in the National Walk at Lunch Day earlier this spring. The desk was delivered and installed last week and employees were quick to jump on and give it a try.

June 22, 2014 - Employee wellness making great strides at Chadron Community Hospital

When Chadron Community Hospital's wellness committee was recently asked what positive effects their wellness program has had, Cheryl Abegglen, RN touted, "We have a culture of healthy eating."

Abegglen added, "We have worked diligently to provide healthy items in our refrigerated vending, the salad bar options in our cafeteria have been well-received, and we provide healthy food options at any meetings or trainings."